Key facts
- An independent inquiry into grooming gangs will initially investigate London, Oldham, Bradford, and Keighley.
- The inquiry, led by Anne Longfield, will examine institutional failures by government departments, councils, the NHS, and police.
- London was selected due to its high rate of child sexual exploitation referrals.
- The inquiry will also investigate the role of technology in child exploitation by grooming gangs.
- Operation Beaconport is reviewing previously closed cases of group-based sexual abuse.
- Operation Beaconport has received increased funding of nearly £38m for the current year.
An independent inquiry into grooming gangs has announced that London, Oldham, Bradford, and Keighley will be the first locations investigated. The inquiry, chaired by Anne Longfield, aims to compel individuals and institutions to account for their actions or inactions in protecting children from sexual abuse.
The investigation will scrutinize government departments, politicians, local councils, the NHS, and national police forces. London was selected in part due to its highest rate of referrals for child sexual exploitation nationally. The inquiry will also assess the broader network of grooming gangs and the role of technology in exploitation.
More than 800 recommendations concerning grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation have been identified, with the inquiry noting significant inconsistency in their implementation. The inquiry was established following a recommendation by Louise Casey, who conducted a rapid audit on gang-based exploitation. Evidence concerning the disproportionate representation of certain ethnic groups in exploitation cases will also be examined.
Operation Beaconport, a review of previously closed files, is examining cases between January 2010 and March 2025. This operation has referred 1,273 investigations to the National Crime Agency, with 236 prioritised due to allegations of rape. Operation Beaconport has received increased funding, with nearly £38m allocated for this year, though police sources suggest this may be insufficient.